Ball game apparatus

ABSTRACT

Apparatus for improving the skills of a sports person comprises two diverging guidelines at least one of which is resilient and tensioned. A reciprocating line extends between and is connected to each guideline whose length is equal to or greater than the minimum spacing of the guidelines and less than the maximum spacing of the guidelines. A ball is connected to and generally coaxial with the reciprocating line, the arrangement being such that when the ball is struck the reciprocating line is moved by its connection with the ball along the guidelines in the direction of their divergence until restrained from further movement by forces imposed on the line caused by the increased spacing between the guidelines and stretching of the resilient guideline(s). The ball and reciprocating line are returned to their starting positions (or positions close thereto) along the guidelines in the direction of their convergence through reactive forces generated between the reciprocating line and the resilient guideline(s).

[0001] This invention relates to practice apparatus for golf, baseball,tennis, cricket or similar ball games which involve striking and/orlofting a ball or like projectile (hereinafter referred to as a “ball”).More especially, but not exclusively, the invention relates to apparatusfor improving the skills of participants in such sports.

[0002] In the field of competitive sport it is a well known adage thatpractice makes perfect. Thus, for example, golf players spend many hoursimproving, inter alia, their golf swing, baseball players their strikingability, and tennis players their stroke play.

[0003] In other ball game sports there are several inanimate trainersavailable, these including, inter alia, a ball attached by anelasticated strand, string or rope to some form of central support. Suchtrainers are unsatisfactory because the ball approaches the player at anunrealistic angle and speed. Furthermore, missing the ball results inthe elasticated strand, string or rope becoming inconveniently entangledaround the support.

[0004] Children also enjoy ball games, but unless they are coached, theyhave even less opportunity of improving their skills. Furthermore, fewchildren have sufficient space and freedom from houses and cars to playball games unrestrictedly.

[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 4,138,107 relates to a ball game practice devicewhich comprises a ball connected to an elastic tether, the tetherconnected at either end to a carriage member which runs along a rigidrail.

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 3,630,521 relates to a baseball batting practicedevice. Once again, a ball is connected to an elastic cord which isslidably linked to an upper and lower support wire. In both thesedisclosures, the elastic nature of the tether to the ball allowssomewhat uncontrolled lateral movement of the ball once struck by theplayer.

[0007] UK-A-201645 relates to a golf practising device in which a ballis slidably anchored to a flight braking track anchored to the ground.The track comprises a pair of diverging non-stretchable wires to whichthe ball is slidably connected by means of a transverse cord whoselength is less than the maximum divergence of the wires. The wiresco-operate to bring the transverse cord to rest at a location distantfrom the position at which the ball by a person using the device.

[0008] All of these devices suffer from a number of disadvantages. Amajor disadvantage inherent in many such devices is that the ball is notreturned automatically and safely to the striker of the ball. Thisdesired objective is achieved by apparatus in accordance with theinvention thereby enabling safe use of the apparatus even in restrictedareas when normal practice of sports such as golf, baseball and tenniscould not occur.

[0009] Accordingly, in one aspect the invention provides apparatus forimproving the skills of a sports person which comprises two divergingguidelines at least one of which is resilient and tensioned, areciprocating line extending between and connected to each guidelinewhose length is equal to or greater than the minimum spacing of theguidelines and less than the maximum spacing of the guidelines, and aball connected to and generally coaxial with the reciprocating line, thearrangement being such that when the ball is struck the reciprocatingline is moved by its connection with the ball along the guidelines inthe direction of their divergence until restrained from further movementby forces imposed on the line caused by the increased spacing betweenthe guidelines and stretching of the resilient guideline(s), the balland reciprocating line being returned to their starting positions (orpositions close thereto) along the guidelines in the direction of theirconvergence through reactive forces generated between the reciprocatingline and the resilient guideline(s).

[0010] Preferably, both guidelines are resilient and tensioned.Alternatively, only one of the guidelines is resilient, the otherguideline comprising, for example, a non-stretchable line, rail or thelike.

[0011] The guidelines may be positioned side-by-side or one above theother. In the latter case where only one guideline is resilient, theresilient guideline is preferably positioned below the non-stretchableguideline.

[0012] The reciprocating line is preferably produced from asubstantially non-elastic material. By the term “non elastic” is meant amaterial which has a very limited ability to stretch and change inlength when struck.

[0013] In another aspect the invention provides apparatus for improvingthe skills of a sports person which comprises two inclined and divergingside-by-side resilient tensioned guidelines separated by a distancewhich increases as the height of the guidelines above ground levelincreases, a reciprocating line extending between and connected to eachguideline whose length is equal to or greater than the minimum spacingof the guidelines and less than the maximum spacing of the guidelines,and a ball connected to and generally coaxial with the reciprocatingline, the arrangement being such that when the ball is struck by asports person the reciprocating line is moved by its connection with theball upwardly along the resilient and diverging guidelines untilrestrained from further movement by the tensional forces imposed in theline as the spacing between the guidelines increase and stretching ofthe resilient guidelines, the ball being returned to its startingposition (or to a position close thereto) by forces created as theresilient guidelines return to their relatively unstretched positions.

[0014] According to the invention in a further aspect, there is providedapparatus for improving the skills of a sports person which comprisestwo diverging guidelines separated at a distance which increases as theheight above ground level of at least one of the guidelines increases,the guidelines being positioned one above the other and at least one ofthe guidelines being resilient and tensioned, a reciprocating lineextending between and connected to each guideline whose length is equalto or greater than the minimum spacing of the guidelines and less thanthe maximum spacing of the guidelines, and a ball connected to andgenerally coaxial with the reciprocating line, the arrangement beingsuch that when the ball is struck by a sports person at a strikingposition at or close to the position of minimum spacing of theguidelines, the reciprocating line is moved by its connection with theball along the guidelines in the direction of their divergence untilrestrained from further movement, and is then returned to (or close to)the sports person along the guidelines in the direction of theirconvergence.

[0015] The guidelines may be separate one from the other; alternativelyone guideline may comprise an extension of the other. For the purposesof this document, in this latter case the guidelines will be describedas two guideline.

[0016] One end of each of the two guidelines may typically be secured tothe ground through an anchor comprising, for example a stake or groundpin, or to a stable support. The other end of each of the two guidelinesis typically attached to a stable support. The stable support maycomprise a wall, frame or a pole.

[0017] The length of the guidelines and/or their angle of inclinationabove ground level may be varied in order to vary the type and/ordifficulty of swing or stroke required, or the space available fortraining purposes.

[0018] The reciprocating line may be connected to the guidelines througha slide which may comprise a hinged clip, ring, rope slide or adjustableloop. For any such connection, it is important the connection issufficiently robust to withstand the forces and wear and tear to whichit will be subjected in use and that frictional forces are minimised.

[0019] In one embodiment one or both guidelines and/or the reciprocatinglines are made of a low friction material. The guidelines and thereciprocating means may be made of the same material.

[0020] Tensioning means may be provided for varying the tension of eachguideline. This may comprise a reel connected to the respective anchoror support.

[0021] Preferably, the connection between the ball and the reciprocatingline is such as to enable the ball to rotate relative to the line. Thus,the ball may be provided with an axially extending bore through whichthe line may pass. In this arrangement, stops may be provided on theline to prevent unwanted sideways movement of the ball along thereciprocating line. Alternatively, no such stops may be provided, theball being relatively free to travel sideways along the line. Thissideways movement could be used to provide for the golfer an indicationof any slice or hook imparted to the ball when struck.

[0022] In an alternative embodiment, each side of the ball may beattached by a clip, stitching or the like to a cord which is thenconnected through swivels to the reciprocating line. Other arrangementswhich achieve this objective could, of course, be adopted.

[0023] The ball may be, for example, a simulated golf ball, tennis ballor baseball.

[0024] The height and positioning of the lower ends of the guidelinesmay be adjustable.

[0025] As mentioned previously, an important feature of the skillimproving apparatus of the present invention is that the ball isautomatically returned to or close to its originally striking position.It is believed that this objective is achieved in the following way.When the ball is struck, the reciprocating line moves rapidly along thediverging guidelines. Because of this divergence, the or each resilientguideline is stretched by the reciprocating line and moved inwardlytoward the other guideline until a point is reached where the tensionalforces imposed by the guidelines on the reciprocating line cause thelatter to come to rest. At this instant in time, the potential energy inthe or each guideline generates a reactive kinetic force which causesthe or each stretched guideline to seek to return to its original lengthand to propel the reciprocating line along the converging guidelinestowards the initial striking position of the ball. The reactive force isgenerally determined by the formula:${{mgh} + {\frac{1}{2}{mv}^{2}} + {\frac{1}{2}C\quad \Delta \quad l^{2}}} = {constant}$

[0026] where mgh is potential energy, ½mv² is kinetic energy and ½CΔl²is elastic energy (other forces being disregarded).

[0027] The invention will now be described by way of example only withreference to the following diagrammatic drawing in which:—

[0028]FIGS. 1 and 2 are respectively side perspective and plan viewsfrom above of apparatus in accordance with the invention;

[0029]FIGS. 3 and 4 are plan views from above of alternative apparatusin accordance with the invention;

[0030]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a detail of the apparatusillustrated in FIG. 1;

[0031] FIGS. 6 to 9 illustrate alternative fixings of a ball to areciprocating line of apparatus in accordance with the invention; and

[0032]FIGS. 10 and 11 are side views of further alternative apparatus inaccordance with the invention.

[0033] In each of the Figures, the same reference numerals have beenused for the same or similar integers.

[0034] The apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 takes the form of a golftraining aid. The apparatus comprises two tensioned guidelines 1, ofplastics coated mono or multi filament resilient cord each of which isattached at one of its ends to raised supports 2 and at its other endthrough anchored guideline spacers 3 upstanding from a driving mat 4,and a grounded reeling mechanism 5. The guidelines are shown in fullline in their unstretched positions in FIGS. 1 and 2, and in broken linein their stretched positions. In the FIGS. 1 and 2 embodiments, theguidelines are positioned side-by-side and the distance between theguidelines increases progressively as their height above ground levelincreases.

[0035] The supports 2 are held in position by ground engaging supportsand the height of each support is adjustable. Tensional lines (notshown) are provided to retain the supports 2 upright and to resist thetensioning of the guidelines 1. A rigid cross-bar 6 extends between thesupports 2 and determines the spacing therebetween. The cross-bar 6 maybe positioned at a lower height relative to the supports 2 if required.

[0036] The illustrated arrangement of the supports 2 and cross-bar 6 ismerely one example of a suitable supporting structure. Other structurescan, of course, be employed. Thus, the structure may simply comprise asimple upstanding post which supports a cross-bar, or a wall to whichthe guidelines are attached.

[0037] A ball 7 is suspended by a reciprocating line 8 from theguidelines 1. Each end of the line 8 is linked to the guidelines by aring 9 and the ball 7 is positioned generally coaxially with respect tothe line, (that is to say, the ball axis is generally coextensive withthe longitudinal axis of the line 8). Preferably, the line 8 is attachedto the ball in such a way as to enable the ball to rotate relative tothe line. Various examples of such connections are discussed below withreference to FIGS. 6 to 9. The dimensions and material of the rings 9are selected to minimise frictional forces between the rings and theguidelines, and to withstand the forces and wear and tear to which therings will be subjected to in use. Connections other than rings may beused for this purpose.

[0038] The reeling mechanism 5 tensions the guidelines in use andprovides storage space for the guidelines 1 when not in use. Asmentioned previously, the guidelines 1 may comprise separate lengths ofresilient cord or may comprise discrete lengths of a single cord.

[0039] The spacers 3 also act as stops to bring the returning line andball to a resting position.

[0040] The teeing-off position of the device is seen in FIG. 1. In thisposition, the ball 7 sits on the mat 4. The ball may be raised above themat surface by a tee or the like. When the ball 7 is struck, it causesthe reciprocating line 8 to travel along the guidelines 1 in thedirection of their divergence ‘B’ until the force imposed on the line 8by the now stretched resilient guidelines 1 is sufficient to bring theline 8 to a stop at position ‘A’ shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. As theguidelines 1 seek to return to their relatively unstretched positions,so a “whip-ash” type force is created which causes the line 8 and ball 7to move downwardly along the guidelines 1 in their direction ofconvergence ‘C’ until the ball reaches (or comes close to reaching) itsinitial position on the mat 4. The minimal resistance between the rings9 and the guidelines 1 assists this process.

[0041] The devices illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4 are similar to thatillustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 excepting that one of the resilientguidelines 1 is replaced by a relatively rigid non-resilient rail, rod,steel cable or cord 11. In FIG. 3 the left-hand guideline is relativelyrigid and in FIG. 4 it is the right-hand guideline which is relativelyrigid. The FIG. 3 embodiment is particularly advantageous for golferswho tend to impart slice and the FIG. 4 embodiment for golfers who tendto hook. In other respects, the FIGS. 3 and 4 embodiments aresubstantially the same as the FIGS. 1 and 2 embodiments.

[0042]FIG. 5 illustrates a reeling mechanism for use with the golfingaid described above. The mechanism comprises a ground engaging box 12which houses a tensioning reel 14. The guidelines 1 pass throughapertures 15 formed in the box surface to the reel 14. As will be seenfrom FIG. 5, the upper surface of the box acts as a teeing surface forthe ball 7.

[0043] As mentioned previously, it is preferable for the ball 7 to beconnected to the reciprocating line 8 in such a way that the ball isable to rotate relative to the line thereby eliminating or substantiallyreducing any twisting of the line following striking of the ball.

[0044] In FIG. 6, the ball 7 is formed with an axially extending bore 16through which the line 8 passes. The diameter of the bore is sufficientto minimise friction between the opposed surfaces of the bore and theline as the ball rotates. In this embodiment, the ball is free to movelaterally along the line as indicated by arrows D. This enables a golferto see if the ball has been hit to the left or right of centre.

[0045] In FIG. 7, stops 17 are carried by the line 8 to inhibit lateralmovement of the ball. These stops may be positioned close to the ballperiphery or remote therefrom. The position of the stops 17 may beadjustable.

[0046] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8, the line 8 includes acentral relatively stiff section 18 about which the ball 7 can rotate.Thus, the line comprises two end lengths 8 connected together by thestiff section 18. The section 18 is connected to the lengths 8 by ringedends 19 and may be produced from, for example, a metal.

[0047] In FIG. 9 the ball 7 is fixed directly to the line-8, the latterbeing rotatably connected to the rings 9 by swivel connections 20.

[0048] Other ways of connecting the ball which enables ball rotationrelative to the line 8 and/or the guidelines 1 may be provided.

[0049] Turning now to FIGS. 10 and 11, the illustrated apparatus isparticularly useful for improving the skills of, for example, baseballand tennis players. In these embodiments the guidelines 1 are positionedone above another instead of side by side as for the previouslydiscussed embodiments. In FIG. 10, each guideline 1 is produced from aresilient material and in FIG. 11 the lower guideline 1 is resilient andthe upper guideline 11 is relatively rigid. The lower guideline ispreferably positioned above or slightly away from the ground to minimisefrictional forces as the line 8 returns to the striker. The position ofthe ball 7 on the reciprocating line 8 can be changed by means of aslidable sleeve 23. Thus the height of the ball above ground level canreadily be varied to accommodate differences in height of the usersimply by sliding the sleeve upwardly or downwardly, the ball resting onthe upper edge of the sleeve. Other slidably shaped devices can be usedfor this purpose. In other respects, the apparatus is similar to thosedescribed previously excepting that both ends of the guidelines 1 aresupported above ground level by posts or the like. As shown in FIG. 10,the tensioning reel 5 may be carried by one of the supporting posts.

[0050] In use, a player 21 strikes the ball 7 to cause it to travelalong the guidelines in their direction of divergence B. As the line 8reaches position A it comes to rest and is returned to the player by theenergy released as the stretched line or lines propel the ball along theguidelines in their direction of convergence C. The ball may be broughtto rest by stops 22 before being struck one more by the player.Alternatively, the stops may either be removed or so positioned that theplayer is obliged to strike the ball before it comes to rest.

[0051] It will be appreciated that the foregoing is merely exemplary ofembodiments of the invention and that modifications can readily be madewithout departing from the scope of the invention as set out in theappended claims.

1. Apparatus for improving the skills of a sports person which comprisestwo diverging guidelines at least one of which is resilient andtensioned, a reciprocating line extending between and connected to eachguideline whose length is equal to or greater than the minimum spacingof the guidelines and less than the maximum spacing of the guidelines,and a ball connected to and generally coaxial with the reciprocatingline, the arrangement being such that when the ball is struck thereciprocating line is moved by its connection with the ball along theguidelines in the direction of their divergence until restrained fromfurther movement by forces imposed on the line caused by the increasedspacing between the guidelines and stretching of the resilientguideline(s), the ball and reciprocating line being returned to theirstarting positions (or positions close thereto) along the guidelines inthe direction of their convergence through reactive forces generatedbetween the reciprocating line and the resilient guideline(s). 2.Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein both guidelines are resilientand tensioned.
 3. Apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein only one ofthe guidelines is resilient.
 4. Apparatus as claimed in any one of thepreceding claims wherein the guidelines are positioned side-by-side. 5.Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein one guidelineis positioned at a height above ground level which is greater than thatof the guideline.
 6. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the precedingclaims wherein the reciprocating line is produced from a substantiallynon-elastic material.
 7. Apparatus for improving the skills of a sportsperson which comprises two inclined and diverging side-by-side resilienttensioned guidelines separated by a distance which increases as theheight of the guidelines above ground level increases, a reciprocatingline extending between and connected to each guideline whose length isequal to or greater than the minimum spacing of the guidelines and lessthan the maximum spacing of the guidelines, and a ball connected to andgenerally coaxial with the reciprocating line, the arrangement beingsuch that when the ball is struck by a sports person the reciprocatingline is moved by its connection with the ball upwardly along theresilient and diverging guidelines until restrained from furthermovement by the tensional forces imposed in the line as the spacingbetween the guidelines increase and stretching of the resilientguidelines, the ball being returned to its starting position (or to aposition close thereto) by forces created as the resilient guidelinesreturn to their relatively unstretched positions.
 8. Apparatus forimproving the skills of a sports person which comprises two divergingguidelines separated at a distance which increases as the height aboveground level of at least one of the guidelines increases, the guidelinesbeing positioned one above the other and at least one of the guidelinesbeing resilient and tensioned, a reciprocating line extending betweenand connected to each guideline whose length is equal to or greater thanthe minimum spacing of the guidelines and less than the maximum spacingof the guidelines, and a ball connected to and generally coaxial withthe reciprocating line, the arrangement being such that when the ball isstruck by a sports person at a striking position at or close to theposition of minimum spacing of the guidelines, the reciprocating line ismoved by its connection with the ball along the guidelines in thedirection of their divergence until restrained from further movement,and is then returned to (or close to) the sports person along theguidelines in the direction of their convergence.
 9. Apparatus asclaimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the guidelines areseparate one from the other.
 10. Apparatus as claimed in any one ofclaims 1 to 8 wherein one guideline comprises an extension of the other.11. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein oneend of each of the two guidelines is secured to the ground through ananchor.
 12. Apparatus as claimed in claim 11 wherein the other end ofeach of the two guidelines is attached to a stable support. 13.Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein thereciprocating line is connected to the guidelines through a slide whichcomprises a hinged clip, ring, rope slide or adjustable loop. 14.Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims whereintensioning means is provided for varying the tension of each guideline.15. Apparatus as claimed in claim 14 wherein the tensioning meanscomprises a reel connected to the respective anchor or support. 16.Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the ballis provided with an axially extending bore through which the line maypass.
 17. Apparatus as claimed in claim 16 wherein stops are provided onthe line to prevent unwanted sideways movement of the ball along thereciprocating line.
 18. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to15 wherein each side of the ball is attached to a cord which is thenconnected through swivels to the reciprocating line.
 19. Apparatus asclaimed in any on of the preceding claims wherein the ball is asimulated golf ball, tennis ball or baseball.